Replacing front brake pads myself

[zed]

Hey guys, single Dad here with not a lot of $$ and my pads on my 2014 Amarok need replacing. Is this something I can do myself or would I need a mechanic and/or speciality tools. I replaced the pads on a car many years ago, but that was an old Sigma, literally unclipped two callipers, slotted in the new pads and that was it. I'm guessing it might be more complex with a newer car? Appreciate any advice!

[h100vw]

Google a video, i'd say its not bad but it's my Job.

Only you can assess your ability

[meeso]

relatively easy but you may want to check rotors as VW like most euros, rotors are consumable, and wear alot. im doing my daughters '18 golf and all 4 rotors are getting repaced, along with the pads. BTW.. Supercheap auto has almost the best prices i can find on bendix euro rotors,a nd bocsh rotors. as good as OEM, but not horrendously priced..

[Lucas_R]

Just check a few DIY videos first to ensure you have the right tools and can confidently tackle the job. I have done brakes on quite a few cars in my DIY career, but occasionally car manufacturers do something stupid (like using a 9mm allen key bolt on the caliper bolts which I had to special order a 9mm allen key - as the 3x sets of allen keys I had none of them had a 9mm key as its obviously not a common size!!!). Im convinced they do this on purpose to deter DIY jobs.

[zed]

Thanks for your help guys! The rotor was stuffed and so I replaced that and the pads. Unfortunately I can't seem to get the brake pistons to retract. I've tried with a clamp as mentioned on the net, but they won't budge, even with a lot of force. Does anyone know of a decent mobile mechanic in Perth as I think I've reached the limit of my technical ability!

[zed]

I'm wondering if it may be just cheaper to get a 2nd hand caliper from a wreckers?

[MIG]

Do the pistons move at all? And you're just doing the front ones as the rears will need extra tools due to the handbrake.

I have always just used a screwdriver between the old pads to push them back; you could always try a cheap tool | Total Tools make sure to use the old pad too.

[zed]

Do the pistons move at all? And you're just doing the front ones as the rears will need extra tools due to the handbrake.

I have always just used a screwdriver between the old pads to push them back; you could always try a cheap tool | Total Tools make sure to use the old pad too.

Yeah i saw that on youtube. Using a screwdriver. These things wouldn't budge. I've taken them both out but they look fine. Now got to try and get them back in..

[JustCruisn]

Did you take the cap off the brake fluid reservoir ?
Use a tool like this to push the piston back, keep one brake pad in the calliper and push against that.

[Hillbilly]

Yeah i saw that on youtube. Using a screwdriver. These things wouldn't budge. I've taken them both out but they look fine. Now got to try and get them back in..

Never pull the pistons OUT for the reason you have found